A CHIPPENHAM amateur historian is asking local businesses to send him photos of their shop fronts, vans and offices so he can create an archive for the future.

Chris Dallimore, a civil servant for the MOD, has been building up the archive for Chippenham Museum.

“I’m keen to hear from all local businesses, not just those with a shop. Some traders may work from home or hire a pitch in the market or tour different events,” he said. “Mobile hairdressers, Avon Ladies, plumbers, child minders, gardeners, odd job and house clearance firms. As long as your Chippenham you are all eligible for the archive!”

Chris, who is also the vice chair of the Friends of Chippenham Museum has made the appeal on his Facebook page, Chippenham Street Names, and says he has already had a lot of responses from people who are keen to go back down memory lane.

Sarah Walker posted: “ My grandparents ran a well known bakery in Tytherton . My grandparents were Fred and Elsie Mayel. After their retirement they moved to Malmesbury Road approximately 69 years ago . Would love to hear from anyone who knew them.”

Another of the many photos sent in was of Bishop’s. David Bishop said his father’s shop relocated when borough parade was re-developed early nineties but closed in 2005 as the business moved out of town and is now run as Langley Nurseries at Kington Langley.

“It’s really interesting to see how the town has changed over the years,” said Chris.who has already published a book, Chippenham Street Names. He is also looking for more photographs from surrounding villages for another book.